New Balance Settlement: The Federal Trade Commission...

New Balance Settlement: The Federal Trade Commission complaint says New Balance Athletic Shoe Inc. used threats to induce some dealers to raise the retail prices of its products and to maintain certain price levels. “New Balance induced dealers to enter into such price agreements by, among other things . . . threatening to terminate or suspend shipments to discounting retailers and demanding that retailers raise their prices,” the FTC said. According to the proposed settlement, New Balance must for five years clearly state in its promotional materials that retailers are free to determine their own prices.